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00022094485 


THE 


CHILDREN 


OF 


THE    BIBLE: 


AS  EXAMPLES,    AND   AS   WARNINGS. 


By  Frances  M.  Caulkins. 


PUBLISHED  BY  THE 

AMERICAN   TRACT   SOCIETY 

150  NASSAU-STREET,  NEW-YORK 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2012  with  funding  from 

University  of  North  Carolina  at  Chapel  Hill 


http://www.archive.org/details/childrenofbibleaOOcaul 


CONTE N T 


1.  Ishmael, 5 

2.  Moses, g 

3.  Samuel, 12 

4.  Obadiah, j^ 

5.  The  Forty-two  Wicked  Children  of  Bethel,  17 

6.  Naamatfs  Little  Maid, 21 

7.  Joash, 24, 

8.  Josiah, 28 


9.  Jeremiah 


31 


10.  Daniel  and  his  Three  Companions,  35 

11.  Jesus  Christ,       .....          ...  38 

12.  TAe  Daughter  of  J  aims,       .               .     .  42 

13.  L#£/e  Children  brought  to  Christ,      .     .  44 

14.  Children  of  the  Temple, 46 

15.  John  the  Baptist, 49 

16.  Timothy,  ...          51 


AND    ISHMAEL 


THE 

CHILDREN  OF  THE  BIBLE 

i. 


INFLUENCE    OF    PRAYER. 
"  God  hath  heard  the  voice  of  the  lad  where  he  is." — Gen.  21 ;  17. 

Behold,  on  Paran's  desert  plain 

A  mother  and  her  child, 
From  morn  till  night,  in  toil  and  pain, 

Are  wandering  o'er  the  wild. 

With  weary  footsteps,  to  and  fro 
They  seek  some  green  retreat ; 

Some  healing  dew,  or  fountain's  flow, 
To  cool  their  burning  feet. 

But  through  those  wastes  no  rivers  run, 

No  rains  refresh  the  land, 
No  groves  relieve  the  fiery  sun, 

No  herb  the  dazzling  sand. 


CHILDREN    OF    THE    BIELE. 

,f  Oh,  mother  !  lay  me  down  to  rest 

"Beneath  these  bushes  low, 
v  I  faint  with  heat,  I  die  with  thirst, 

"No  farther  can  I  go." 

Thus  spake  the  boy — beneath  the  shade 

She  plac'd  him  with  a  sigh, 
Then  beat  her  throbbing  breast  and  said, 

"  /  cannot  see  him  die  /" 

A  bow-shot's  distance,  where  his  moans 

Reach' d  not  her  shrinking  ear, 
She  sat,  and  mingled  tears  with  groans, 

And  call'd  on  Heaven  to  hear. 

Alone  the  son  of  Abraham  lay — 

Not  so — for  God  was  there  : 
He  mov'd  the  dying  child  to  pray, 

And  heard  his  feeble  prayer. 

Young  Ishmael  cried,  and  God,  from  heaven, 

Look'd  down  upon  his  grief,* 
Cool  waters  to  the  sands  were  given — 

He  drank  and  found  relief. 


ISHMAEL. 

Oh,  come !  and  from  this  story  learn 
God  hears  when  children  pray; 

He  stoops  from  heaven  with  kind  concern 
To  know  what  they  would  say. 

Come,  then,  before  your  Savior  King 
Spread  all  your  joys  and  woes  ; 

To  him  your  humble  offerings  bring, 
And  on  his  love  repose. 

Like  Ishmael,  pray  ;  but,  child,  beware ! 

And  ever  strive  to  be, 
As  years  increase,  in  faith  and  prayer, 

A  better  man  than  he. 

Like  Ishmael,  pray;  but  from  the  truth 

Oh  not,  like  him,  depart ! 
Give  to  the  Lord  that  bless'd  your  youth 

Through  all  your  life,  your  heart. 


CHILDREN    OF    THE    BIBLE. 


RESISTING    TEMPTATION. 

"  And  the  daughter  of  Pharaoh  came  down  to  wash  herself 
at  the  river  ;  and  her  maidens  walked  along  by  the  river's  side  ; 
and  when  she  saw  the  ark  among  the  flags  she  sent  the  maid 
to  fetch  it.  And  when  she  had  opened  it  she  saw  the  child: 
and  behold  the  babe  wept." — Exodus,  2  :  5,  6. 

'*  By  faith  Moses,  when  he  was  come  to  years,  refused  to  be 
called  the  son  of  Pharaoh's  daughter  ;  choosing  rather  to  suffer 
affliction  with  the  people  of  God,  than  to  enjoy  the  pleasures 
of  sin  for  a  season." — Hebrews,  11  :  24,  25. 

A  princess  and  her  maidens  gay- 
Were  bathing  in  the  Nile  one  day  : 
Just  where  the  tall  flags  meet  the  tide, 
A  willowy  basket  they  descried. 

That  little  ark  a  mother's  love 

Of  twisted  osiers  neatly  wove ; 

And  many  a  prayer  and  pious  thought* 

She  breath'd,  while  at  her  task  she  wrought 

11  *  And  with  a  prayer  did  every  osier  weave." — H.  More* 


THE  FINDING  OF  MOSES 


MOSES.  9 

Without,  within,  'twas  lin'd  and  seaPd, 
That  mother's  priceless  gem  to  shield 
From  sun,  and  wind,  and  rushing  wave, 
And  Nile's  voracious  god*  to  save. 

The  princess  from  the  river  drew 
The  ark — aside  the  covering  threw : 
Behold!  a  Hebrew  babe  appears, 
A  living  babe,  bedew'd  -with  tears. 

Compassion  touch'd  the  lady's  breast; 
She  hush'd  his  infant  fears  to  rest, 
Call'd  him  her  son,  gave  him  a  name, 
And  Egypt's  heir  the  boy  became. 

Son  of  a  princess ! — on  the  child 
A  court,  with  all  its  splendor,  smil'd — 
A  court  corrupt — a  king  and  throne 
Sustain'd  by  gods  of  wood  and  stone. 

From  Israel's  faith,  to  Egypt's  sin, 
These  idols  sure  the  child  will  win ! 
Example  will  his  youth  betray, 
To  walk  in  pleasure's  dangerous  way ! 

*  The  ancient  Egyptians  worshipped  the    crocodile  as  a 
river-god. 


30  CHILDREN    OF    THE    BIBLE. 

Mark  with  what  ease,  what  skill  divine, 
High  Heaven  works  out  its  fix'd  design: 
A  faithful  nurse  the  princess  sought — 
Quick  was  the  child's  own  mother  brought. 

From  her  he  learn'd,  in  youth's  first  spring, 
The  wonders  wrought  by  Israel's  King  ; 
Learn'd  to  deplore  his  brethren's  woes, 
And  scorn   the  honors  of  their  foes. 

With  purpose  firm,  in  manhood's  prime 
He  left  the  gilded  halls  of  crime ; 
Power,  wealth  and  honors  all  laid  down, 
Nor  stopp'd  to  catch  the  falling  crown. 

On  Horeb's  mount,  in  Jethro's  tent, 
Long  years  of  peaceful  toil  he  spent, 
Hallowing  the  throng  of  daily  cares 
With  holy  thoughts  and  heavenly  prayers. 

A  shepherd's  staff  and  seat  of  stone 
Outweigh'd  the  sceptre  and  the  throne. 
With  conscience  pure,  and  soul  serene, 
No  roof  is  low,  no  station  mean. 


MOSES.  11 

Behold  a  pattern,  bright  and  high, 
To  fire  the  youthful  christian's  eye ! 
Go,  mark  it  well !   then  ask  within, 
"  Have  I  this  holy  dread  of  sin'? 

"  No  golden  bribes,  no  courtly  pride 
"  Could  lure  this  heavenly  youth  aside  J 
c<  From  scenes  of  guilty  pomp  he  fled, 
M  In  peace  the  lonely  hills  to  tread. 

M  How  in  his  place  should  I  have  done  1 
"As  Pharaoh's,  or  as  Jethro's  son! 
"  Embrac'd  temptation's  gilded  bait, 
"  Or  shar'd  the  exile's  bitter  fate  1 

"  E'en  now  I  hear  the  still  small  voice 

"  That  whispers,  Make  the  Lord  your  choice ! 

"  E'en  now  the  God  that  Moses  saw, 

"  Strives  from  the  world  my  heart  to  draw. 

"  Oh  Thou,  whose  grace  when  asked  is  given 
"  To  lift  the  soul  from  earth  to  heaven, 
"Lead  me  where  living  waters  flow 
M  And  let  me  with  thy  lilies  grow!" 


12  CHILDREN    OF    THE    EIBLE. 


III. 


SAJflUEJL. 


EAELY   PIETY. 

*  And  the  child  Samuel  grew,  and  was  in  favor  with  the 
Lord  and  also  with  men." — 1  Samuel,  2  :  26. 

"  Samuel  ministered  before  the  Lord,  being  a  child,  girded 
with  a  linen  ephod." — Verse  18. 

On  shady  hills  the  violet's  flower 

Gives  out  a  sweet  perfume ; 
And  roses  in  a  lady's  bower 

Are  lovely  in  their  bloom. 

The  lily  on  the  water  lies, 

The  sunflower  decks  the  land ; 

These  all  look  upward  to  the  skies, 
And  own  their  Maker's  hand. 

But,  oh!  what  bud,  what  blossom  fair, 
With  childhood's  charms  can  vie, 

When  in  the  gentle  voice  of  prayer 
It  lifts  its  heart  on  high  1 


SAMUEL  PRESENTED  TO  ELI. 


SAMUEL.  13 

In  Shiloh  once  a  harmless  child 

In  priestly  garments  stood, 
And  serv'd,  with  spirit  undefil'd, 

The  altar  of  his  God. 

It  was  a  pleasant  sight,  to  view 

How  earnestly  he  sought, 
With  all  his  heart  and  soul,  to  do 

What  reverend  Eli  taught. 

At  early  dawn,  when  birds  rejoice, 

Like  them,  he  hail'd  the  sky ; 
At  night,  when  birds  are  hush'd,  his  voice 

Breath'd  softer  praise  on  high. 

God  bless'd  him,  and  he  daily  grew 
.     More  holy,  yet  more  mild  ', 
A  faithful  priest,  a  prophet  true, 
While  yet  in  years  a  child. 

Beside  the  ark  he  flourish'd  fair, 

Like  a  green  olive-tree. 
Oh,  who  young  Samuel's  name  can  hear, 

Nor  wish  like  him  to  be ! 

Then  early  make  the  Lord  your  choice, 

And  in  his  work  delight ; 
The  children  that  obey  his  voice 

Are  jewels  in  his  sight. 


14  CHILDREN    OF    THE    EIBLE. 


IV. 


OE&&1&I1. 


EARLY    PIETY    THE    BEST   PREPARATION    FOR 
USEFULNESS. 


"  I,  thy  servant,  fear  the  Lord  from  my  youth."— 1  King?,  IS :  12. 


The  fear  of  God,  my  child, 

Is  but  another  name 
For  love,  for  worship  undenTd, 

For  pure  religion's  flame. 

This  holy,  loving  fear, 

Young  Obadiah  knew ; 
God's  awful  voice  he  bow'd  to  hear, 

And  paid  obedience  due. 

He  serv'd  an  impious  king, 
And  liv'd  with  men  of  blood  : 

God's  word  was  a  forbidden  thing — 
'Twas  dangerous  to  be  good. 


OBADUH  lb 

Yet  still  this  pious  youth 

Pursued  the  heavenly  way, 
And  clung  the  closer  to  the  truth 

When  others  went  astray. 

What  penman  can  record 

Than  this,  a  higher  praise — 
"  For^  /,  thy  servant,  fear  the  Lord, 

" E }en from  my  earliest  days" 

* 
See  how  this  morning  dew 

Enrich'd  and  bless'd  his  heart, 

With  courage  firm  and  purpose  true 

To  act  a  champion's  part ! 

When  Ahab's  impious  queen* 

Gave  out  her  dire  command. 
And  slaughter's  ruthless  sword  was  seen 

To  glitter  o'er  the  land ; 

Then  forth  he  stepp'd  to  save, 
And  stood  the  poor  man's  friend ; 

Nor  fear'd  his  sovereign's  wrath  to  brave, 
God's  worship  to  defend. 

*  1  Kings,  18  :  4. 


16  CHILDREN    OF    THE    BIBLE. 

Quick  was  his  heart  to  feel, 
As  swift  his  hands  to  aid; 

A  hundred  saints  his  timely  zeal 
To  sheltering  groves  convey' d. 

No  fear  his  spirit  awed 
In  that  disastrous  hour  ; 

He  hid  them  till  the  raging  sword 
Had  lost  its  deadly  power. 

There  in  the  clefts  of  rock, 
In  caverns  wild  and  dread, 

His  lib'ral  hand  the  exil'd  flock 
With  daily  bounty  fed. 

Thus  was  this  Hebrew  lord 
A  shield  in  days  of  strife, 

By  early  faith  and  love,  prepar'd 
To  lead  a  useful  life. 

Fear  God— -fear  God  in  youth. 
Then  from  your  guarded  heart 

The  buckler  of  eternal  truth 
Shall  turn  temptation's  dart. 


WICKED    CHILDREN    OF    BETHEL.  17 


THE   42    WICKED   CMIEltHEW 
OF  BE  THEE. 

SINFUL   LANGUAGE    DISPLEASING   TO    GOD. 

"  And  he  went  up  from  thence  unto  Bethel ;  and  as  he  was 
going  up  by  the  way,  there  came  forth  little  children  out  of 
the  city,  and  mocked  him,  and  said  unto  him^  Go  up,  thou  bald 
head  !  Go  up,  thou  bald  head  !  And  he  turned  back,  and  looked 
on  them,  and  cursed  them  in  the  name  of  the  Lord.  And  there 
came  forth  two  she-bears  out  of  the  wood,  and  tare  forty  and 
two  children  of  them."— 2  Kings,  2  :  23,  24. 

Who  would  not  sleep  on  Jacob's  stone, 
Might  Jacob's  dream  to  him  be  given  1* 

The  Lord  stood  on  his  burning  throne, 
And  angels  throng'd  the  way  to  heaven. 

With  trembling  awe  he  rose  and  stood, 
An  altar  rais'd,  and  worshipp'd  these  : 

And  call'd  it  Bethel — House  of  God, 

The  gate  of  heaven — the  house  of  prayer. 

In  later  times,  a  city  spread 

Its  shade  around  that  hallow'd  stone  j 

But  there  no  heavenly  vision  led 
The  spirit  upward  to  the  throne. 

*  Genesis,  28  :  10-20. 
Gh.  of  Bible.  2 


18  CHILDREN    OF    THE    BIBLE. 

An  idol  god — old  Egypt's  sin — 
Usurps  the  altar,  claims  the  vow ; 

Insulting  scoffers  raise  their  din, 
And  Bethel*  is  Beth- A verijf,  flow, 

See,  on  his  lonely  way  afar, 

Elisha  comes,  belov'd  of  God ! 
His  thoughts  are  with  the  fiery  car, 

Where  his  translated  master  rode. 

Canst  thou  not  see  him  as  he  went 

Heaven-mov'd — his  reverend  head  laid  bare  1 

Now  upward  turned,  with  look  intent, 
Now  downward,  as  if  bow'd  in  prayer  ] 

Where  is  the  city's  sacred  band, 

That  should  this  heavenly  veteran  greet  ] 

The  guardians  of  a  grateful  land, 

Why  come  they  not  his  steps  to  meet] 

Do  they  not  know  his  mission  seal'd 
By  gifts  and  powers  deriv'd  from  God  1 

That  he  the  unwholesome  waters  heal'd,}: 
And  dry  through  Jordan's  channel  trod  \ 

Alas!  his  just  reproof  they  dread, 

And  fain  would  bar  him  from  their  gate , 

The  children  of  the  place  are  bred 
The  prophet  and  his  God  to  hate. 

*  Bethel,  House  of  God.         f  Beth-Aven,  House  of  Vanity. 
X  2  Kings,  chap.  2. 


WICKED    CHILDREN    OF    EETHEL.  19 

And  see,  a  rude  and  boisterous  throng, 

The  offspring  of  a  godless  race, 
Pour  forth  with  insults  loud  and  long, 

And  mock  the  good  man  to  his  face. 

Fiercely  they  come,  and  loud  they  cry  5 

With  shouts  and  taunts  around  him  crowd  : 

"Up!  up!  (they  say)  ascend  on  high! 

"  Come,  bald  head  !  mount  the  fiery  cloud !" 

So  boldly  did  this  impious  crew 

Jehovah's  honor' d  priest  assail: 
"Elijah  gone!  (they  cry)  Go  too! 

"And  we  will  then  believe  the  tale." 

Awhile  the  patient  prophet  heard 

Their  mockeries,  and  despis'd  the  shame  : 

But  quick  the  fire  within  him  stirr'd, 

When  scorn  washeap'd  on  God's  great  name. 

He  turn'd,  he  look'd,  by  heaven  inspir'd, 

Fierce  judgments  on  their  heads  denounc'd  j 

And  with  prophetic  knowledge  fir'd, 
Sternly  th'  approaching  wo  announc'd. 

Onward  he  goes ; — the  judgment  comes ! 
E'en  while  he  spake,  a  mighty  roar 

Breathes  outward  from  the  forest  glooms- 
Near,  nearer — louder  than  before. 


20  CHILDREN    OF    THE    E1BLE 

And  mid  the  throng,  with  mighty  force, 
Two  savage  beasts  leap  forth  to  war ; 

Blood,  rage  and  havoc  mark  their  course, 
They  bruise,  rend,  wound  and  scatter  far. 

Oh  then,  what  terrible  alarm ! 

What  pain  those  bleeding  bosoms  fill ! 
The  God  they  mock'd  but  lifts  his  arm, 

And  savage  beasts  perform  his  will. 

Thus  was  this  impious  throng  chastis'd ; 

Through  them  their  guilty  parents  warrrd 
God  will  not  have  his  word  despis'd, 

His  prophets  or  his  wonders  scorn' d ! 

Tremble,  ye  children,  when  ye  read 

How  God  o'erthrew  these  scoffers  bold ; 

Be  pure  in  word,  be  kind  in  deed, 
Revere  the  good,  respect  the  old. 

For  know,  that,  e'en  in  childhood,  sin 
Meets  with  an  awful  frown  from  heaven. 

Strive,  children !  strive,  the  race  to  win ; 
Repent,  believe,  and  be  forgiven. 


NAAMAN's    LITTLE   MAID.  21 


VI 


JV*&*AJir^ijr>s  jlittle  Main. 


CHILDREN    MAY    BECOME    EMINENTLY    USEFUL 

"  The  Syrians  had  gone  out  by  companies,  and  had  brought 
away  captive  out  of  the  land  of  Israel  a  little  maid  ;  and  she 
waited  on  Naaman's  wife.  And  she  said  unto  her  mistress, 
would  God  my  lord  were  with  the  prophet  that  is  in  Samaria  ! 
for  he  would  recover  him  of  his  leprosy." — 2  Kings,  5  :  23. 

Come  round  me,  my  children,  and  list  'while  I  tell 
What  in  Syria  once  a  great  captain  befel. 
He  was  valiant,  but  sav'd  by  a  tender  child's  aid, 
A  man  of  great  might,  by  a  weak,  captive  maid. 

The  man  was  Naaman,  a  chief  in  command, 
The  sword  of  the  king  and  the  shield  of  the  land. 
His  country  ^o  oft  he  had  freed  from  the  foe, 
He  was  honor'd  and  lov'd  by  the  high  and  the  low. 


22 


CHILDREN    OF    THE    BIBLE. 


The  maid  was  a  child,  from  her  dear  native  land 
Carried  far,  far  away,  by  a  Syrian  band ; 
To  the  wife  of  the  captain,  so  gallant  and  brave, 
The  little  maid  now  is  a  captive  and  slave. 

Yet  the  child  still  remember'd  the  God  of  her  youth  ; 
She  talk'd  of  his  glory,  his  love  and  his  truth : 
She  told  what  the  priests  of  Jehovah  had  taught, 
The  power  of  true  faith,  and  the  wonders  it  wrought. 

The  chief  so  renown'd  for  his  conquests  abroad, 
At  home  found  his  life  but  a  wearisome  load ; 
A  leper  !  a  leper ! — that  one  heavy  blow 
All  wealth,  and  distinction,  and  glory  laid  low! 

Then  the  young  maid  of  Israel  came  forward,  and  said 
"  I  know  of  a  man  who  my  master  could  aid ; 
"  "Would  God  that  my  lord  would  but  go  to  the  same  ! 
w  He  lives  in  Samaria — Elisha  his  name. 

"  Faith,  holiness,  prayer,  are  the  good  man's  sole  arts ; 
"Yet  he  cures  the  diseas'd,  and  he  sees  into  hearts.* 
"  'Tis  Jehovah's  great  prophet — would  God  that  my  lord 
K  Would  but  go  to  his  door,  and  be  heal'd  by  a  word !" 

*  2  Kings,  5:26;  6  :  12  ;  S:  11,12. 


23 


Thus  did  the  young  maid  in  her  exile  proclaim 
Elisha's  high  honor,  Jehovah's  great  name. 
Though  so  young,  and  a  servant,  she  sought  to  do  good  : 
She  was  true  to  her  master  and  true  to  her  God. 

Nor  did  the  great  chieftain  despise  her  request, 
In  his  chariot  he  hastes  to  the  country  so  blest ; 
At  the  prophet's  high  word  in  the  Jordan  he  laves, 
And  fresh  as  a  child  he  came  forth  from  the  waves. 

Nor  only  the  flesh  did  that  washing  redeem, 

He  left  his  idolatry  too  in  the  stream : 

He  retum'd  to  the  prophet  with  praise  on  his  tongue, 

And  God — the  true  God,  Israel's  God,  was  his  song. 

Such  good  was  accomplished  by  one  little  maid ; 
Such  honor  the  Lord  on  a  young  captive  laid ! 
Come,  rouse  thee,  my  child !  Is  there  nothing  that  you 
For  our  God  or  the  welfare  of  others  can  do  ? 


24  CHILDREN    OF    THE    BIBLE. 


VII. 


J  O  Jl  &  JBT. 


"let  him  that  thinketh  he  standeth,  take 
heed  lest  he  fall." 


2  Kings,  chap.  12.— 2  Chron.  chapp.  22,  23,  24. 

A  spotted  robe  and  bloody  crown 

Fierce  Athaliah  wore  ; 
For  she  her  kindred  had  cut  down, 

And  bath'd  her  hands  in  gore. 

First  Arab  hordes,*  then  Jehu's  blade 
Great  David's  house  o'erthrew  : 

This  cruel  queen,  with  treason's  aid, 
The  feeble  remnant  slew. 

One  scion  of  the  royal  oak 

Alone  escap'd  the  foe ; 
The  sole  survivor  of  the  stroke 

That  laid  his  kindred  low. 

*  Chron.  22:1,8. 


JOASH.  25 

In  love's  fond  arms  the  boy  was  sav'd 

Amid  the  tumult  wild ; 
His  pious  aunt  the  danger  brav'd, 

And  hid  the  helpless  child. 

Safe  from  the  vengeance  of  the  queen, 

Concealed  by  heavenly  aid, 
Six  years  the  nurse  and  child,  unseen, 

Dwelt  in  the  temple's  shade. 

There  liv'd  within  those  chambers  fair 

A  priest  of  high  renown, 
Who  rear'd  this  child  with  jealous  care, 

And  train'd  him  for  the  crown. 

Thus  hid  in  faith,  thus  watch'd  by  love, 

Thus  fed  on  heavenly  dew, 
Sweet  mercy's  child,  the  temple's  dove, 

The  youthful  Joash  grew. 

The  faithful  aunt  and  priest  fulfill'*} 

Their  duty  to  the  youth ; 
Like  honey,  from  their  lips  distill'd 

The  words  of  grace  and  truth. 
And  when  this  proud,  revengeful  queen 

And  Baal's  priests  were  slain, 
They  plac'd  him  on  his  father's  throne 

And  taught  him  how  to  reign. 


26  CHILDREN    OF    THE    BIBLE. 

While  liv'd  the  priest,  his  guiding  hand 

The  young  man  led  aright ; 
He  worshipp'd  God,  and  rul'd  the  land 

With  wisdom,  grace  and  might. 

But  when  some  six-score  years  had  roll'd* 

Above  his  guardian's  head, 
And  with  the  kings  and  chiefs  of  old 

The  reverend  priest  was  laid, 

Young  princes  round  their  sovereign's  feci 

Ensnaring  pleasures  spread, 
He  listen'd  to  their  flatteries  sweet, 

And  follow'd  where  they  led. 

They  led  him  into  courses  vain, 
To  scorn  the  wise  and  good — 

Despise  the  law  of  God,  and  stain 
His  courts  with  righteous  blood.f 

Apostate  then  the  king  became. 

He  left  his  earlier  love, 
And  rear'd  on  hills  his  sin  and  shame, 

The  idol  and  the  grove. 

*  "  Jehoiada  was  born  in  the  reign  of  Solomon,  and  had  lived 
through  six  successive  reigns,  besides  Athaliah's  usurpation  " 

|  2  Chronicles,  24  :  20. 


JOASH.  27 

Nor  was  this  foul  revolt  unseen, 

Unnoticed  in  the  sky ; 
No  veil  a  single  act  can  screen 

From  God's  all-seeing  eye. 

Domestic  treason,  war's  loud  blast, 
Their  terrors  round  him  spread ; 

Disease  came  next — the  sword  at  last 
Despatch'd  him  in  his  bed. 

His  bones  rest  in  no  honor'd  tomb,* 

His  fame  no  mourners  sing  j 
So  heavy  was  the  righteous  doom 

That  crush'd  this  faithless  king  ! 

Go,  read  his  story,  and  beware 

Of  error's  dangerous  way  : 
Is  good  seed. sown  1 — take  watchful  care 

Lest  it  be  snatch'd  away. 

Turn  thou  from  every  glittering  gem, 

And  look  to  heaven  for  light ; 
For  soon  will  youth's  fine  gold  grow  dim, 

If  not  by  faith  kept  bright. 


28  CHILDREN   OF   THE  BIBLE. 

VIII. 

J-&SIJ1II. 


ZEAL    IN    THE    SERVICE    OF    GOD REVERENCE    FOB 

THE    SCRIPTURES. 

2  Chronicles,  chapp.  34,  35. 

King  Joash  in  his  life  displays 

A  bold  backslider's  wreck  j 
Such  beacon-lights  the  Scriptures  raise 

The  wanderer's  course  to  check 

Not  for  such  end  Josiah's  name 
Lives  in  the  heavenly  scroll ; 

His  light  is  an  enlivening  flame 
That  heals  and  guides  the  soul. 

Son  of  an  impious  king,  and  cast 
On  dangerous  times  and  dark — 

An  orphan  on  life's  stormy  blast, 
How  'scap'd  his  little  bark  % 

A  sovereign  too!- — his  childish  brow 

Displays  a  glittering  crown; 
Before  him  cringing  courtiers  bow, 

And  armies  fear  his  frown ! 


JOSIAH.  29 

Say  !  is  there  hope  of  him '(  How  free, 

How  rich  is  grace  divine ! 
This  seed  springs  up  a  glorious  tree, 

To  shade  Judea's  vine. 

While  yet  a  child,  his  earnest  mind 

For  David's  God  inquir'd ; 
He  sought,  nor  was  he  slow  to  find 

The  Friend  his  heart  desir'd. 

The  groves  that  monarchs,  vain  and  wild, 
Had  rear'd  on  Judah's  heights  j 

Hills,  vales,  by  idol  gods  defil'd, 
He  cleans'd  with  hallow'd  rites. 

Down  Baal  fell,  with  all  his  train : 

The  carv'd  and  molten  ore 
In  fragments  strew'd  the  graves  of  men 

Who  worshipp'd  it  before. 

Rais'd  from  decay,  the  temple  fair 

Sheds  light  and  truth  around ; 
Shine  all  her  gates,  and  praise  and  prayer 

Through  all  her  courts  resound. 

Oh  happy  king  !  his  worth,  his  praise 
Thus  doth  high  heaven  record : 

"  With  all  his  heart,  through  all  his  days 
"  He  folio  v'd  God,  the  Lord !" 


30  CHILDREN    OF    THE    BIBLE. 

When  to  his  house  the  parchment  scroll 

Of  prophecy  was  Drought, 
How  earnest  was  his  heavenly  soul 

To  learn  what  God  had  taught 

As  Shaphan  read,  with  holy  awe 
The  youthful  monarch  heard — 

Mourn'd  o'er  the  violated  law, 
And  trembled  at  the  word. 

Lowly  he  bow'd,  and  humbly  pray'd ; 

God  from  his  throne  replied, 
And  from  a  heart  so  tender  bade 

His  judgments  turn  aside. 

With  anxious  haste  the  king's  command 

Bade  every  trumpet  sound, 
To  spread  before  the  assembled  land 

The  Book  that  had  been  found. 

'Tis  ever  thus  : — the  warmth  and  light 
Men  feel,  they  love  to  spread ; 

When  hearts  with  heavenly  hopes  are  bright, 
The  rays  around  they  shed. 

Then  if  you  feel  the  Scripture's  worth, 

Go,  aid  its  high  design ; 
Speed,  speed  the  Bible  round  the  earth, 

Spread  wide  the  Book  divine. 


JEREMIAH.  31 


IX 


JTUM]£JWI«1M. 


PIETY    PERSECUTED    IN    THIS    LIFE THE    REWARD 

HEREAFTER. 

"  Then  said  I,  Ah  Lord  God !  I  cannot  speak,  for  I  am  a 
child  !  But  the  Lord  said  unto  me,  Say  not,  I  am  a  child  :  for 
thou  shalt  go  to  all  that  I  shall  send  thee,  and  whatsoever  I 
shall  command  thee  thou  shalt  speak.'' — Jeremiah,  1 :  6,  7. 

Great  good  Josiah  wrought — his  hand 

A  righteous  sceptre  sway'd  ; 
Yet  not  alone  he  toil'd  or  plann'd  j 
See  by  his  side  a  prophet  stand, 

To  give  him  heavenly  aid. 

The  breath  of  God  had  early  stirr'd 

A  boy  of  priestly  race  \ 
And  now  came  down  the  Almighty  word, 
To  hail  him  prophet  of  the  Lord, 

And  bid  him  take  his  p!nce. 


3«2  CHILDREN    OF    THE    BIBLE. 

Sad  was  the  youthful  priest's  reply, 

For  he  was  full  of  fears : 
"Ah  Lord!  I  cannot  strive  nor  cry — 
"  Ah  Lord !  I  cannot  speak,  for  I 

M  Am  in  my  childish  years  !" 

"  Let  not  thy  childhood  cause  thy  fear," 

The  Eternal  Voice  replied  j 
"  For  thou  shalt  speak,  and  men  shall  hear 
"  To  all  the  nations  far  and  near, 

M  Go  spread  my  message  wide." 

Then  touch'd  his  lips  the  heavenly  flame 

And  gave  him  powers  sublime  j 
Dreams,  visions,  judgments  to  proclaim, 
A.nd  strains  of  never-dying  fame, 
To  breathe  through  every  clime. 

5Toung  king,  and  younger  priest — a  sight 

For  angels  to  admire  ; 
With  equal  zeal  for  truth  and  right, 
One  wields  the  sword  of  justice  bright, 

And  one  the  sounding  lyre. 

Mature  they  grew,  and  struggled  long 

Against  the  rushing  tide  ; 
But  crime  was  like  a  giant  strong, 
And  Egypt  with  her  warlike  throng 

Spread  havoc  far  and  wide. 


JEREMIAH.  33 

Josiah  fell ;  tears  gush'd  like  rain 

O'er  his  untimely  end  j 
Deep  was  the  tender  prophet's  pain, 
And  sadly  sweet  the  plaintive  strain 

That  mourn'd  his  slaughter'd  friend.* 

Not  always  in  this  vale  of  tears 

Hath  virtue  its  reward ; 
The  prophet  liv'd  a  life  of  fears, 
In  grief  he  number'd  all  his  years, 

His  heart  was  sorrow's  chord. 

But  still  in  dungeons  dark  and  deep 

God  kept  him  from  despair  j 
Though  anguish  was  too  keen  to  weep, 
Though  cold  and  hunger  banish'd  sleep, 

He  still  found  strength  in  prayer. 

When  in  the  dust  great  David's  throne 

A  lonely  ruin  lay ; 
When  Salem,  all  with  weeds  o'ergrown, 
Mourn'd  o'er  her  sons,  to  climes  unknown 

Borne  by  their  foes  away — 


*  2  Chronicles,  35  :  24,  25. 
Ch.  of  Bible.  3 


34*  CHILDREN    OF    THE    EIELE. 

Oh  then  how  plaintive  were  his  tones F 

How  deep  the  prophet's  wo  ! 
O'er  Zion's  consecrated  stones 
Sighs,  tears  hurst  forth — reproaches,  groans, 

And  lamentations  low. 

Yet  from  those  cherish' d  ruins  torn, 

An  exile  forth  he  goes ; 
To  Egypt's  coast  unwilling  borne, 
His  country's  wreck  afar  to  mourn 

With  ever-flowing  woes. 

But  in  his  heavenly  office  still 

He  spends  his  daily  breath ; 
Reproves,  exhorts  with  fervent  zeal, 
Till  stamp' d  with  heaven's  approving  seal, 

A  martyr's  bloody  death.* 

Thus  Jeremiah  wept  and  bled, 

As  through  this  world  he  pass'd — 
Thus  are  the  saints  through  trials  led, 
With  foes  they  meet,  on  thorns  they  tread, 
But  win  a  crown  at  last. 

*  Jeremiah,  died  in  Egypt,  whither  he  was  carried  against 
his  wishes  by  a  body  of  his  countrymen  who  migrated  to  that 
kingdom.  Ancient  writers  inform  us  that  he  was  stoned  to 
death  by  the  Jews,  while  uttering  prophetic  denunciations 
against  their  sins. 


DANIEL    AND    HIS    THREE    COMPANIONS  35 

X. 

JD^LJYIEE  J3:JTIt    SKIS    THREE 

ADVANTAGES    OF    EARLY    DILIGENCE,    TEMPERANCE 
AND    SELF-DENIAL. 

*  Daniel,  Chapp.  1  and  3. 

Four  youths  liv'd  in  the  Assyrian  court, 

Not  in  Assyria  born — 
A  captive  band,  by  conquerors  brought 

From  Zion's  wastes  forlorn. 
Three  were  of  Judah's  royal  race, 

And  all  endow'd  with  heavenly  grace. 

They  serv'd  their  conqueror,  but  his  power 
Was  kindly  o'er  them  spread, 

Three  years  within  the  royal  bower 
A  gentle  life  they  led  ; 

Train'd  up  in  learning's  honor'd  ways, 

In  studious  peace  they  pass'd  their  days. 

By  Daniel's  wise  example  led, 
And  cheer'd  by  grace  divine, 

They  ate  no  idol's  meat  or  bread, 
Drank  no  inflaming  wine. 

The  fruits  which  nature  scatters  wide, 

And  crystal  streams  their  wants  supplied. 


36  CHILDREN    OF    THE    EIBLE. 

A  youth  to  careful  study  given, 
To  temperance  and  prayer, 

Leads  like  a  ladder  up  to  heaven, 
And  fits  the  soul  to  bear 

Faith's  trials,  persecution's  blow, 

And  the  whole  load  of  mortal  wo. 

In  later  times  the  monarch  made 

An  image  proud  and  vain  j 
A  hundred  feet  its  lofty  head 

Soar'd  up  o'er  Dura's  plain. 
The  glittering  gold  shone  far  and  wide, 
A  mighty  monument  of  pride. 

The  rulers,  judges  of  the  realm, 

Captains  of  all  its  hordes, 
Warriors  with  dinted  shield  and  helm, 

And  gay  pacific  lords, 
All  gather,  shouting  as  they  run, 
"  Great  Bel !  the  god  of  Babylon  /" 

Music,  of  every  curious  frame, 
Breath'd  forth  its  dulcet  sound 

In  honor  of  the  god's  great  name, 
And  heralds  shouted  round — 

"Bow  down!  bow  down  to  mighty  Bel, 

"  Or  in  the  fiery  furnace  dwell !" 


DANIEL   AND    IIIS    THREE    COMPANIONS.  37 

Amid  that  furious  pagan  throng 

Came  not  those  princes  three  ; 
Those  youths  of  Zion  rais'd  no  song, 

They  bent  no  suppliant  knee  : 
Their  hearts  were  nerv'd  by  faith  ar>d  prayer, 
The  raging  of  the  flames  to  dare 

Nor  did  their  God  his  friends  forsake, 

His  form  was  in  the  fire, 
The  fury  of  its  breath  to  slake, 

And  shield  them  from  its  ire. 
Joyful  the  burning  floor  they  trod, 
For  with  them  walk'd  the  Son  of  God. 

A  wond'rous  constancy  they  show'd, 

A  high  heroic  power  ; 
As  wond'rous  was  the  aid  bestow'd 

In  peril's  awful  hour  : 
Forth  from  the  seven  times  heated  flame 
Triumphant  and  unharm'd  they  came. 

He,  who  the  fiery  furnace  cool'd, 

Can  every  ill  destroy  ; 
Danger  and  death,  by  him  o'er-rul'd, 

Are  chang'd  to  life  and  joy. 
Enough : — at  duty's  post  to  stand, 

And  lean  on  his  supporting  hand ! 


38  CHILDREN    OF    THE    BIELE. 

XI. 

JTESZTS    CMMIST. 


u  And  he  went  down  with,  them,  and  came  to  Nazareth,  and 
was  subject  unto  them  :  and  Jesus  increased  in  wisdom  and 
ststure,  and  in  favor  with  God  and  man." — Luke,  2  :  51,  52. 

Here  let  us  pause  : — a  brighter  day, 

A  nobler  prospect  to  survey! 

The  scenery  of  those  ancient  years 

Rolls  by,  with  all  its  kings  and  seers. 

The  wings  of  time  have  swept  the  world — 

State  after  state  to  ruin  hurl'd — 

And  we  on  fair  Judea  gaze, 

In  Caesar's  time,  and  Herod's  days. 

The  raptur'd  mind  takes  loftier  wing, 

A  holier  strain  with  awe  to  sing. 

Old  things  have  vanish' d  from  the  sight  j 

Behold  an  era,  new  and  bright ! 

The  sceptre  falls  from  Judah's  hands, 

The  roll  of  prophecy  expands ; 

The  darkness  breaks,  and  Bethlehem's  star 

Shines  on  the  nations  from  afar. 

Hail,  Light  of  Israel !  Light  from  heaven ! 
A  wond'rous  child  to  earth  is  given ! 


JESUS    CHRIST.  39 

No  more  on  mortal  man  we  gaze, 
To  mark  his  deeds  with  blame  or  praise. 
Strike  all  your  strings,  ye  harps  of  earth ! 
Proclaim  the  heavenly  stranger's  birth. 
No  offspring  this  of  mortal  line, 
These  lineaments  are  all  divine. 

Too  oft  our  daring  fancy  tries 

To  be  beyond  the  record  wise  ; 

Careless  on  holy  ground  to  tread, 

And  rend  the  veil  which  heaven  hath  spread. 

Rash  hand,  forbear !  With  awe  we  trace 

This  pattern  of  celestial  grace. 

Oh,  may  the  Eternal  Father  deign 

To  guide  the  thought  and  bless  the  strain ! 

Far  in  the  north,  where  Galilee 
Looks  o'er  her  beauteous  inland  sea, 
A  small  mean  city,  built  of  stone, 
Sits  lonely,  on  a  mountain  throne. 
Low  are  its  roofs,  its  portals  mean, 
With  narrow  winding  streets  between  ; 
And  toilsome  is  the  access  there, 
To  man  or  mule,  by  road  or  stair. 

Yet  lovely  are  the  plains  around, 
For  olives,  vines  and  figs  renown'd; 
And  Tabor's,  and  Gilboa's  height 
Rise  o'er  the  landscape,  cloth'd  in  light. 


40  CHILDREN    OF   THE  EIELE. 

Those  plains  oft  rang  with  battle's  clang— 
There  Barak  fought  and  Deborah  sang ; 
Josiah  there,  in  contest  vain, 
Was  by  Egyptian  archers  slain. 

That  city  mean,  now  holds  a  gem 
Worth  more  than  Csesar's  diadem. 
'Tis  Naz'reth!  that  secluded  place, 
Where  Jesus  dwells  in  youthful  grace, 
By  Mary's  side,  in  Joseph's  shade, 
Content  to  learn  a  humble  trade  ; 
Yet,  with  a  mien  divinely  bold, 
Sin  he  rebukes,  in  young  or  old. 

In  duty's  path,  from  day  to  day, 
The  holy  child  pursues  his  way  ; 
And  many  a  heart  to  wisdom  leads, 
By  winning  words  and  gentle  deeds. 
Son  of  the  Highest !   yet  he  deigns 
To  share  these  mortal  griefs  and  pains; 
Intent  his  mission  to  fulfil, 
But  subject  to  his  parents'  will. 

Hast  thou  thy  sorrows  1  so  had  he  ; 
Thy  trials'?  He  was  never  free. 
Art  poor,  or  sick,  or  houseless  1  know, 
Like  thine  was  once  the  Savior's  wo. 
Contempt,  wrongs,  insults  dost  thou  meet ! 
With  such  his  life  was  all  replete  ; 


JESUS    CHRIST.  41 

And  yet  his  spirit,  pure  and  mild, 
No  passion  fir'd,  no  sin  beguil'd. 

Art  thou  a  student  1  Learn  of  Him 
With  diligence  thy  lamp  to  trim. 
Art  call'd  to  labor  %  Cheerful  go  j 
Thy  Master  trod  that  path  below. 
Thou  canst  with  no  temptation  meet, 
But  hath  been  spread  around  his  feet. 
Once  having  been  a  child,  he  knows 
And  pities  childhood's  cares  and  woes. 

By  pleasures  lur'd,  or  trials  vex'd ; 
When  conscience  is  with  doubt  perplex' 
Which  path  to  choose,  or  which  to  shun, 
Think  what  the  Savior  would  have  done  ! 
Oft  ask  your  heart — is  this  the  way 
That  Jesus  liv'd  from  day  to  day  1 
Make  his  example,  pure  and  bright, 
A  lamp  to  guide  your  steps  aright 

But  oh,  forget  not  while  you  scan 
His  life,  that  he  was  more  than  man. 
Salvation's  King  !  his  birth  unfurl'd 
Hope's  banner  o'er  a  ruin'd  world 
A  spotless  priest,  a  pattern  fair, 
A  sacrifice,  our  sins  to  bear. 
In  acts  of  love  he  spent  his  days — 
A  deeper  love  his  death  displays. 


42  CHILDREN    OF    THE    BIBLE. 

XII. 
THE  n&UGMTEH   OF  J*ZIMU$. 

GRATITUDE  TO  THE  SAVIOR. 
Luke,  8 :  49-66. 

"  Eise,  maiden !  rise  !"  Thus  Jesus  spake. 
A  kindling  blush  begins  to  break 

Upon  the  damsel's  cheek ; 
Her  eyes  their  living  lustre  take, 

Her  lips  prepare  to  speak. 

Death  that  had  newly  clasp'd  his  chain, 
Amaz'd,  beholds  it  snapt  in  twain  j 

His  victim  rent  away  j 
A  mightier  King  disputes  his  reign, 

And  robs  him  of  his  prey. 

The  child  rose  up  at  Christ's  command, 
And  wondering,  saw  those  features  bland, 

Those  high  immortal  charms  : 
What  heavenly  voice,  what  powerful  hand, 

Her  mortal  foe  disarms ! 


THE    DAUGHTER    OF    JAIRtJS.  43 

The  pulse  of  life  resumes  its  play, 
Her  limbs  once  more  the  will  obey — 

The  parents  clasp  their  child. 
Fond  on  her  mother's  breast  she  lay, 
And  cheerful  spoke,  and  smil'd. 

Yet  soon  she  turns  her  eyes,  to  meet 
That  form,  with  Godlike  grace  replete, 

Where  power  and  goodness  shine  j 
She  worships  lowly  at  his  feet. 

And  owns  his  skill  divine. 

Would  not  that  maid  ungrateful  prove, 
[[  e'er  her  bosom  ceas'd  to  love 

That  kind  and  heavenly  Friend  ] 
How  fearful,  should  her  spirit  rove, 

And  perish  at  the  end ! 

Yet  did  this  little  maiden  find 
A  Savior  more  divinely  kind 

Than  smiles  on  us  from  heaven  ] 
What  have  we — life,  or  sense,  or  mind — 

Not  by  his  bounty  given  1 

If  she  her  grateful  heart  should  give 
To  Him  whose  mercy  bade  her  live, 

Hath  he  no  claim  on  you, 
Who  from  his  daily  grace  receive 

A  life  each  morning  new  ! 


44  CHILDREN    OF    THE    BIBLE. 


XIII 


JLITT&E   CJBOULMBMEJir  HHOUGHT 

TO   CMHIST. 


11  And  they  brought  young  children  to  him,  that  he  should 
touch  them :  and  his  disciples  rebuked  those  that  brought 
them.  But  when  Jesus  saw  it,  he  was  much  displeased,  and 
said  unto  them,  Suffer  the  little  children  to  come  unto  me  and 
forbid  them  not,  for  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  And  he 
took  them  up  in  his  arms,  put  his  hands  vpov  them  and  blessed 
them."— Mark,  10  :  13,  14,  16. 

To  the  arms  of  the  merciful  !?^rior 

Young  children  were  brought  to  he  blest : 
He  look'd  on  the  parent  with  favor, 

And  press'd  the  young  child  to  Ms  breast. 
How  happy  was  each  tender  blossom 

The  Savior's  rich  blessing  to  share  ! 
How  pleasant  to  see  on  his  bosom 

The  infant  so  dove-like  and  fair  ! 


CHRIST  BLESSING-  CHILDREN. 


LITTLE    CHILDREN    BROUGHT    TO    CHRIST.  45 

"  Oh !   suffer  the  young  to  come  hither, 

w  Their  Savior  and  friend  to  behold  ! 
11  Oh  bring  me  the  bud,  e'er  it  wither — 

"  The  heart,  ere  'tis  blighted  and  cold !" 
These  words,  with  their  promise  so  precious, 

Still  sound  like  a  harmony  sweet ; 
Allur'd  by  a  message  so  gracious, 

Dear  Savior,  we  come  to  thy  feet. 

Receive  thou  our  spirits  while  tender, 
.  And  teach  every  thought  to  submit ; 
To  thee  a  whole  life  may  we  render, 

And  lay  a  young  heart  at  thy  feet. 
We  have  sinn'd,  but  thy  grace  can  make  holy ; 

Are  weak,  but  thy  power  is  divine — 
Oh  save  us  from  vice  and  from  folly, 

And  make  us  eternally  thine  ! 


46  CHILDREN    OF    THE    BIBLE- 


XIV. 


CHILDREN  OF   THE    TJSJJTPJLE. 


MORE  CONVERSIONS  TO  BE  EXPECTED  AMONG  THE 
YOUNG  THAN  THE  OLD. 

"  And  when  the  chief  priests  and  scribes  saw  the  wonderful 
things  that  he  did,  and  the  children  crying  in  the  temple,  and 
saying,  Hosanna  to  the  Son  of  David  ;  they  were  sore  dis- 
pleased, and  said  unto  him,  Hearest  thou  what  these  say  ?  And 
Jesus  saith  unto  them,  Yea  :  have  ye  never  read,  Out  of  the 
mouth  of  babes  and  sucklings  thou  hast  perfected  praise?" — 
Matthew,  21  :  15,  16. 

Through  Salem,  as  the  Savior  pass'd, 
Their  robes  the  crowd  before  him  cast, 

And  wav'd  their  palms  on  high  ; 
Young  children,  too,  with  loud  acclaim, 
Around  the  Friend  of  children  came, 
And  join'd  the  exulting  cry. 

While  priests  and  rulers  heard  with  scorn, 
His  praise,  on  these  weak  voices  borne, 

Fill'd  all  the  temple's  space  ; 
Thus  shall  it  be  from  age  to  age, 
The  young  shall  all  their  powers  engage 

To  spread  his  wond'rous  grace. 


CHILDREN    OF    THE    TEMPLE.  47 

Though  men  of  learning  and  renown 
Refuse  to  own  the  kingly  crown 

That  girds  his  radiant  brows ; 
Their  murmurs  shall  be  scatter'd  wide, 
Or  lost  beneath  the  rushing  tide 

Of  youthful  songs  and  vows. 

"  Come,  let  us  all  with  joy  repair 

"  To  God's  own  house  of  praise  and  prayer," 

They  cry  with  one  accord  : 
How  loudly  sweet  the  songs  they  frame ! 
"  Hosanna  to  our  Savior's  name, 

"  The  anointed  King  and  Lord  1" 

May  all  our  children,  Lord  !  be  thine, 
The  earliest  dew,  the  tenderest  vine, 

Their  incense  waft  above. 
Bring  in  a  harvest  of  the  young, 
To  fill  thy  realms,  and  swell  the  song 

Of  free,  redeeming  love. 

PART    SECOND. [Missionary.] 

Once  on  thy  hills,  0  Palestine ! 
Hosannas  to  the  King  Divine 

A  band  of  children  sung  : 
"  He  comes  !"  their  infant  voices  cry, 
"  Hosanna  to  our  God  on  high !" 

Through  all  the  temple  rung. 


48  CHILDREN    OF    THE    BIBLE. 

But  now  no  Savior  guides  that  band  ; 
The  children  of  the  Holy  Land 

No  gentle  Shepherd  know ; 
Taught  from  their  infancy  to  raise 
The  voice  to  false  Mohammed's  praise, 

Vain  worship  they  bestow. 

More  favor'd  on  this  happy  shore, 
Here  let  the  lively  anthem  soar 

From  every  youthful  tongue : 
Praise  to  the  God  who  reigns  above 
Be  all  our  theme ;  and  praise  and  love 

The  burden  of  our  song. 

Yet  mindful  of  those  children  still, 
We  turn  our  eyes  to  Zion's  hill, 

And  breathe  a  mournful  strain ; 
Oh,  God  of  promise  !   speak  once  more, 
And  span  that  long-forsaken  shore 

With  mercy's  bow  again — 

Break  from  above,  thou  golden  flame  ! 
And  eastward,  whence  at  first  ye  came, 

Return,  ye  lights  of  heaven ! 
The  guiding  Star  leads  o'er  the  sea, 
And  soon  the  Book  of  Life  shall  he 

Back  to  the  Giver  given. 


JOHN    THE    BArTIST.  49 

XV. 
JTOMJV   TUB  n*&£»Tl&?: 

SOLITARY    MEDITATION    FAVORABLE    TO    PIETY. 

11  And  the  child  grew  and  waxed  strong  m  spirit,  and  was  in 
the  deserts  till  the  day  of  his  showing  unlo  Israel." — Luke, 
1  :  SO. 

A  holy  child  e'en  from  his  birth, 

Was  Zachariah's  son ; 
Remote  from  youthful  sports  and  mirth 

His  early  race  was  run. 

In  lonely  haunts  he  liv'd — and  there 
He  walk'd  and  talk'd  with  God  : 

In  silent  thought,  or  vocal  prayer, 
The  wilderness  he  trod. 

The  bird  that  sings,  the  stream  that  flows, 

Led  his  young  mind  above  ; 
No  verdant  tree,  nor  opening  rose, 

But  spoke  of  heavenly  love. 

The  beasts  that  wild  through  deserts  roam, 

Supplied  his  garments  rude  ; 
The  locust  and  the  flowing  comb 

Were  all  his  choice  of  food. 

Ch.  of  Bible.  4 


5C  CHILDREN    OF    THE    BIBLE. 

He  studied  much,  he  pray'd  for  might, 
He  sought  God's  will  to  know ; 

And  waited  but  for  heavenly  light 
A  martyr's  zeal  to  show. 

Thus  gathering  strength  from  day  to  day, 

And  waxing  warm  in  heart, 
Unknown  he  liv'd,  till  call'd  away 

To  act  a  higher  part. 

Then  as  a  preacher  stern  and  bold, 

He  burst  on  Israel's  sight ; 
The  Day-spring  he,  whose  dawn  foretold 

The  Sun's  up-rising  light. 

This  blest  example,  round  our  feet 
Spreads  wide  its  golden  rays, 

And  clothes  in  accents  low  and  sweet, 
The  lesson  it  conveys. 

In  forests  wild,  or  deserts  lone, 
Oh,  fix  your  thoughts  above  ! 

God  oft  in  solitude  makes  known 
The  secret  of  his  love. 

A  life  retir'd,  a  serious  mind 

To  meditation  given, 
Prepares  the  soul  to  bless  mankind, 

Or  soar  to  God  in  heaven. 


TIMOTHY.  51 

XVI. 
TIJMOTMW. 


EARLY    ACQUAINTANCE    WITH    THE    SCRIPTURES. 

"  When  I  call  to  remembrance  the  unfeigned  faith  that  is  in 
thee,  which  dwelt  first  in  thy  grandmother  Lois,  and  thy  mo- 
ther Eunice  ;  and  I  am  persuaded  in  thee  also.'' — 2  Tim.  1  :  5. 

"  And  that  from  a  child  thou  hast  known  the  Holy  Scrip- 
cures." — 3 :  15. 

Happy  the  child  whose  opening  mind 
To  wisdom's  charge  is  given  ; 

Whose  earliest  thoughts  by  teachings  kind, 
Are  gently  led  to  heaven ! 

How  rich  the  blessing  that  descends 

From  faithful  parents,  pious  friends! 

The  faith  that  aged  Lois  knew, 

That  heavenly  Eunice  felt, 
On  their  young  son  its  lustre  threw, 

And  in  his  bosom  dwelt. 
To  him  an  early  shield  was  given, 
Won  by  parental  prayer  from  heaven. 

The  penman  on  his  sacred  page 

Portrays  a  picture  rare  ; 
A  student  of  a  tender  age 

With  grave  and  serious  air. 


52  CHILDREN   OF    THE  BIBLE. 

The  holy  parchment  in  his  hand, 
He  reads,  and  seeks  to  understand. 

'Twas  by  the  Scriptures'  heavenly  aid 

So  early  he  was  seal'd  ] 
In  faith's  whole  armor  well-array'd, 

And  furnish' d  for  the  field. 
A  messenger  of  God's  great  name, 
The  faithful  student  soon  became. 

The  holy  Paul  receiv'd  the  youth, 

And  lov'd  him  as  a  friend  ; 
He  travell'd  much,  proclaim'd  the  truth. 

Unwearied  to  the  end  ; 
And  many  a  glorious  harvest  gain'd 
Of  souls  from  sin  and  death  unchain'd. 

What  made  young  Timothy  so  wise  1 

Know  ye  the  precious  root 
That  spread  its  branches  to  the  skies, 

And  bore  such  golden  fruit  1 
It  was  the  page  of  heavenly  truth 
He  lov'd  to  read  so  well  in  youth. 

Through  mighty  faith  this  heavenly  scroll 

Unseals  the  sinner's  eyes  ; 
Unfolding  glories  round  him  roll, 

Immortal  prospects  rise ; 
Time  fades  away,  the  earth  retires, 
To  heaven  his  ardent  soul  aspires. 

THE    END. 


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Duchess    de 


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Charles  H.  Porter. 

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Trees,  Fruits,   and  Flowers  of  the 

Bible.  [9  cuts.] 
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Pictorial  Tract  Primer. 

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